My legs are very swollen during pregnancy, what should I do? The main signs of swelling of the legs during pregnancy. What should you be wary of?

In the article we discuss swelling of the legs during pregnancy. You will learn why this happens, how it can harm the unborn child, and what means you can get rid of this unpleasant condition.

Why do feet swell during pregnancy?

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy does not always indicate pathology

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy is common. It can occur due to physiological and pathological reasons. In any case, if swelling of the legs occurs during pregnancy, you should inform your gynecologist about it.

Let's figure out why pregnant women's legs swell and why this phenomenon is dangerous.

Physiological reasons:

changes in hormonal levels;
increased blood volume;
poor nutrition;
wearing uncomfortable shoes and clothes;
great physical activity.

In the early stages, during normal pregnancy, edema practically does not occur. Swelling of the legs begins to bother you during pregnancy, most often in the later stages. And this is a natural process. Imagine, before, your legs “carried” only you, but now they have a double load - you and your baby. Also during this period, the volume of blood in a woman’s body increases significantly, a lot of sodium accumulates, which retains water in the tissues.

In most cases, swelling is mild in the morning, and by evening you again feel heaviness and fatigue in your legs. For physiological reasons, this can be corrected with massage, special exercises and nutrition.

If swelling does not go away even after a long rest, this may mean a number of pathological reasons that serve as a signal to immediately consult a doctor:

heart disease;
renal failure;
phlebeurysm;
gestosis.

What are the dangers of leg swelling during pregnancy?

This phenomenon cannot be taken lightly. If swelling bothers you in the morning, accompanied by swelling of the face, lower back, abdomen and high blood pressure - all these are alarming signs.

Why is the condition when legs swell during pregnancy dangerous for a mother and her baby:

maternal health complications;
lack of vitamins for the child;
oxygen starvation of the fetus;
risk of miscarriage;
freezing of the fetus.

During pregnancy, watch your weight. The rate of weight gain is up to 300 grams per week. If the number is significantly higher, this indicates the presence of hidden edema.

Medications for the treatment of edema

There are many drugs that help remove excess fluid from subcutaneous tissues. When choosing medications, consider your condition; not all medications are acceptable during pregnancy. Be sure to consult your doctor and read the instructions carefully.

Doctors are reluctant to prescribe diuretics for swelling of the legs during pregnancy, as they help wash out calcium from a woman’s body, which is necessary for the normal development of the fetus. But in some cases you cannot do without pills. They are prescribed as a last resort and for a short time.

There are many such drugs on the market now. Among them are tablets/dragées with a synthetic and natural base.

The safest ones in your case will be products for external use.: cream or ointment for swelling on the legs during pregnancy. When making a choice, give preference to products with a natural base. Now there is an abundance of such drugs on the market. They will be harmless to you and your baby.

Name	Action	How to use
Cream-balm Mama comfort for swelling of the legs	Strengthens capillaries, tones veins. Has a pronounced cooling effect. Eliminates swelling.	Apply with light massage movements. The duration of the massage is no more than 3 minutes for each leg.
Venitan gel	Reduces the fragility and permeability of capillaries. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. Increases blood flow. Prevents and reduces the development of local edema.	Apply to the shins and feet with light movements, lightly rubbing into the skin. Use the gel 2-3 times a day.
Sophia cream - foot gel	Reduces the distensibility and permeability of veins and capillaries, increasing their tone. Prevents blood stagnation, helps prevent thrombosis, improves microcirculation and lymphatic drainage.	Apply evenly along the vein from bottom to top for 2-3 minutes 2-3 times a day.

Folk remedies that relieve swelling of the legs

Let's figure out how to remove swelling in the legs during pregnancy without medications.

Remember how our grandmothers applied cabbage leaves to their feet. In your condition it won't hurt either. The leaves have a cooling and decongestant effect and improve blood flow in the lower extremities. Wash the leaves well, apply to your feet and secure. During the procedure, it is advisable to lie down for 1-1.5 hours with your legs elevated.

Baths for swelling of the legs during pregnancy are also suitable for you. Make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 30-35 C, as high temperatures can cause miscarriage. You can add sea salt or 2-3 drops of essential oil (juniper, mint, lavender, lemon, eucalyptus) to the water.

Ingredients:

Sea salt - 3 tbsp.
Water - 2 l.

How to cook: Dissolve salt in water at room temperature.

How to use: Place your feet in a basin of saline solution. The duration of the procedure is 5-10 minutes.

Result: Relaxes muscles. Improves blood and lymph flow.

Practice a contrast shower for your feet. Hardening helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Another effective means of hardening is ice cubes with eucalyptus and mint.

Ingredients:

Mint - 20 g.
Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the leaves and leave for 1 hour. Strain, pour into ice cube trays and freeze.

How to use: Rub ice on the skin of your legs below the knees and toes.

Result: Cools well. Tones the walls of capillaries. Removes fluid accumulated in the subcutaneous layers.

Ingredients:

Rosehip - 10 g.
Lingonberry leaves - 10 g.
Fennel - 10 g.
Water - 0.5 l.

How to cook: Place the components in a thermos, add boiled water and leave for 6 hours. Then strain.

How to use: Take 100 ml 3 times a day. The maximum duration of treatment is no more than 2 weeks.

Result: Has a diuretic effect. Reduces heaviness in the legs.

Dried fruit compotes are perfect for you now. Opt for dried apricots, which have mild diuretic properties.

Ingredients:

Dried apricots - 300 g.
Water - 1.5 l.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the pre-washed fruits and leave for 1 hour.

How to use: Drink 1 glass 3-4 times a day.

Result: Quenches thirst. Reduces vascular permeability. Improves blood flow.

There is no need to add sugar to this compote, since dried apricot itself contains a sufficient amount of glucose.

How to massage so your feet don't swell

Foot massage helps remove accumulated fluid

If your legs swell during pregnancy, do not neglect massage. It must be done along the vein from bottom to top. The duration of the massage for each limb should not exceed 5 minutes. To do this, use a special ball or simply stretch your legs, moving from your toes upward.

Foot massage for swelling during pregnancy can be done “dry” or using special creams and folk remedies (listed above). If the pregnancy period is more than 3 months, then massage should not be done while lying on your stomach. Movements should be light, do not put pressure on the veins.

Exercises for swollen legs in pregnant women

A series of exercises that relieve swelling of the legs during pregnancy:

Exercise No. 1 - circular movements of the feet.
Exercise No. 2 - circular movements of the legs in a clockwise direction with the toes extended towards you.
Exercise number 3 - rolling from heel to toe.
Exercise No. 4 - stand on all fours (knee-elbow position).

2 minutes are allotted for exercises 1-3, 10-15 minutes for exercises 4.

Sign up for swimming or water aerobics for pregnant women. Water applies even pressure on the body, improving lymph drainage. The work of the calf muscles during swimming stimulates blood circulation.

Don't forget about walks in the fresh air. While walking, the ankle muscles are actively involved, which has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, thereby reducing the fragility of blood vessels.

Compression garments to prevent swelling

Let's figure out how to get rid of leg swelling during pregnancy with the help of preventive and therapeutic underwear.

There are several types of such underwear:

knee socks;
stockings;
tights.

Stockings for leg swelling during pregnancy are one of the most popular options for compression garments. Unlike tights, they do not squeeze the stomach. True, sometimes they slide down, disrupting the uniformity of pressure.

Benefits of compression garments while pregnant:

prevents varicose veins;
puts constant pressure on the legs, resulting in faster blood circulation;
improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues;
prevents thrombosis and seizures;
eliminates swelling.

Preventative compression garments can be purchased without a prescription. In more complex cases, therapeutic underwear is indicated. For an appointment, contact a phlebologist.

Diet for swollen legs in pregnant women

Most of the women whose legs swell and hurt during pregnancy believe that by reducing the amount of fluid consumed, they can get rid of the swelling. Gynecologists refute this misconception. The water intake (1.5-2 liters per day) during pregnancy should not be reduced under any circumstances, as this leads to malfunction of the kidneys.

Let's figure out how to relieve swelling in the legs during pregnancy by adjusting your diet:

Reduce your salt intake. If possible, avoid it altogether.
Eliminate sweet soda, canned juices, and kvass from your diet. Tea and coffee are taboo in your condition. Nowadays, berry fruit drinks, dried fruit compotes and freshly squeezed orange and tangerine juices are good options.
Avoid fried, smoked, pickled and spicy foods.
Be sure to include cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, chicken, white fish, fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet.

The following fruits and vegetables have good diuretic properties:

citrus;
cherry;
cherries;
strawberry;
strawberries;
watermelon;
melon;
mulberry;
cucumbers;
zucchini;
carrot;
lettuce leaves.

It is better to avoid grapes and bananas during this period.

Swelling after childbirth

In most cases, swelling of the legs during pregnancy is associated with changes in hormonal levels and an increase in the load on the woman’s body. What is the cause of swelling in the legs after childbirth? There may be several of them:

If your legs are swollen after childbirth, this means that the fluid that accumulated during pregnancy has not yet completely disappeared. Most likely, the swelling will disappear after 1 week, in rare cases it lasts up to 1 month.
Kidney failure.
Heart diseases.
Phlebeurysm.

Treatment of swelling in the legs after childbirth is similar to treatment during pregnancy. External agents can be used without fear, but be careful with diuretics. Everything that now enters the mother’s body is automatically transmitted to the baby through breast milk. When purchasing medications, carefully read the instructions; many of them are prohibited for use during lactation.

Remember, self-medication is fraught with various complications. Contact a gynecologist or therapist with your problem. The key to a speedy recovery is a correct diagnosis.

How to prevent swelling of the legs

We found out what to do if your legs swell during pregnancy. But is it possible to prevent this condition? It is possible if it is not associated with pathological and chronic diseases of the mother or is not a consequence of gestosis.

You need proper rest. Night sleep should last at least 8 hours, in the 3rd trimester - at least 9 hours. Be sure to set aside time for daytime rest.
When sleeping, place a bolster or pillow under your feet. During the day, if you feel heaviness in your legs, put aside your activities for 15 minutes and lie on your left side or back, raising your legs above head level.
Change your body position regularly. If you have a sedentary job, every 30-40 minutes you should stretch a little and walk around the office. Avoid activities that involve monotonous movements.
Stay hydrated. Focus on clean water.
Eat well. Eliminate unhealthy foods from your diet.
Do control weighings.
Choose comfortable shoes and clothes. Forget about high heels and platforms for a while, give preference to low-cut shoes. If you prefer tight-fitting skirts and trousers, then opt for clothes made from stretchy fabrics.

How to do leg exercises during pregnancy, watch the video:

What to remember

To relieve swelling of the legs during pregnancy, use traditional and folk medicine. Do not forget to coordinate any use of medications with your gynecologist.
If swelling in the legs occurs due to a physiological background, they can be reduced with the help of a proper diet, special exercises, proper rest and gymnastics for pregnant women.
Swelling of the legs after childbirth can occur for several reasons. If the swelling does not disappear within the first week after the birth of the baby, a trip to the doctor is necessary. This may be a sign of a serious illness.

The phenomenon of swollen legs during pregnancy is a common problem. The symptom develops due to the specific physiological state, but in some cases it signals the addition of a complication. After examination and examination, a decision is made to correct lifestyle or begin treatment.

Causes of edema during pregnancy

Factors that cause swelling of the legs during pregnancy are divided into two groups. The first category includes easily removable ones. They do not cause gross pathological changes in the body. Physiological causes of swelling include:

staying on your feet for a long time during the day (hiking, the need to stand in one place);
wearing high-heeled shoes;
eating large amounts of salty foods;
increased volume of liquid drunk (more than 2 liters).

Natural causes (if promptly eliminated) do not have a detrimental effect on health. However, sometimes a pregnant woman’s legs swell due to the progressive development of painful conditions during any week of pregnancy. The following diseases most often provoke complications:

Varicose veins of the lower extremities, caused by compression of the pelvic veins by the growing fetus.
Inflammatory processes in the kidney tissue, which develop intensively during pregnancy.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The progression of swelling indicates decompensation of the painful condition.
Changes in the functional activity of the thyroid gland.
Intestinal disorder with frequent diarrhea (causes a disturbance in the water-salt balance, causing the legs to swell).
Preeclampsia is a complication that occurs in late pregnancy.

The development of gestosis causes the greatest concern, as it provokes:

blood thickening;
increased load on the heart muscle;
hypoxia of the woman’s organs and placenta.

The progression of pathological changes causes irreversible consequences that lead to premature birth, as well as the death of mother and child.

The reasons why swelling of the legs occurs during pregnancy must be clarified, since the tactics and scope of medical intervention depend on this.

Stages of edema. Norm and pathology
To find out at what stage of development the swelling is, you should pay attention to the following circumstances:

The first stage - only the distal parts of the legs (feet, ankles, legs) are swollen.
The second is that the swelling spreads to the area above the knees, to the lower back and abdomen.
Third, swelling also appears on the body and face.

You should be wary if pressing on the leg leaves a pit-shaped depression (pastyness). This phenomenon indicates excess fluid in the tissues. The progression of edema is evidenced by the fact that a woman has difficulty removing the ring from her finger or cannot do it at all, and also changes her shoe size to a larger one.

What are the dangers of leg swelling during pregnancy and when should you consult a doctor?

Swelling of the legs in late pregnancy indicates fluid retention in the body. The process reflects both the physiological characteristics of gestation and serious problems in the body. Physiological edema does not require drug therapy; its disappearance is facilitated by diet and following recommendations for lifestyle correction.

The greatest danger for the mother and child is the development of gestosis, since this complication causes serious pathomorphological changes in tissues, which become irreversible over time. If your legs swell during pregnancy, you need to pay attention to the appearance of your limbs in the morning. In a physiological state, the pastiness disappears without a trace after a night's rest, the woman feels rested, as she is not bothered by the heaviness in her legs. If edema appears due to gestosis or associated kidney or vascular disease, after a night's rest the state of health does not improve. Seeing a doctor is also necessary if swelling rapidly spreads throughout the body.

The expectant mother should sound the alarm when one leg swells more and this is accompanied by pain and redness in the right or left part of the limb. Such symptoms indicate the development of thrombophlebitis and require urgent medical intervention.

How does swelling of the legs manifest in pregnant women?

The symptom has typical characteristics that are easy to note through visual observation. A sign that should cause alarm in a woman is when the lower limbs greatly increase in volume. Swelling appears in the evening after standing for a long time. There is a need to purchase larger shoes, as the usual shoes become tight.

Weight gain during pregnancy of more than 500 g per week should alert you, as it is an indirect sign of edema.

If pressure leads to the appearance of a pit that does not disappear, this should be understood as an accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. In a situation where the legs of pregnant women are swollen and painful, the following symptoms appear:

feeling of heaviness and pain;
numbness in the ankle and lower leg;
cramps of the calf muscles, mainly at night.

The addition of painful sensations is a serious reason to seek medical help.

During pregnancy, a situation often occurs when only the right leg swells. This phenomenon is associated with the expansion of the right renal pelvis, which mainly occurs in pregnant women. An increase in the size of the left leg more often signals the development of thrombophlebitis.

Diagnostics

The appearance of swelling in the legs, which occurs in the late afternoon, requires a full range of diagnostic measures. Kidney function should be checked. To do this, the following urine tests are required:

clinical general;
according to Nechiporenko (the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, cylinders is counted);
according to Zimnitsky (the specific density of biological fluid is determined, which shows the filtration capacity of the kidneys).

The complex of studies also involves:

ultrasound diagnostics of thyroid function and determination of its hormonal activity;
electrocardiograms;
rheovasography and venography of the vessels of the lower extremities.

Changes in the internal organs and vascular bed require timely treatment, which, according to indications, is carried out in an inpatient department or on an outpatient basis.

The appearance of protein in the urine requires an in-depth study of kidney function. In this case, the attending physician also prescribes an ultrasound examination of this organ.

The appearance of edema in late pregnancy requires careful monitoring and control of blood pressure. If the values exceed the standard values (140/80 mm Hg), it is necessary to exclude gestosis (late toxicosis).

If this complication is not corrected in time, eclampsia may occur - brain damage leading to generalized convulsions, which pose a danger to the pregnant woman's body and can cause swelling of the brain tissue.

Treatment of edema

Before deciding how to get rid of swelling of the legs during pregnancy, you should find out the reason for their occurrence. The development of pathological changes makes it necessary to use medications in the form of tablets, injections or ointments. Diagnostics makes it possible to outline the scope of necessary interventions and prevent irreversible changes in the internal organs of the woman and the fetus.

Diet

do not exceed the recommended daily allowance of table salt;
exclude from the diet dishes with the addition of hot spices and seasonings, as well as fried and smoked foods;
give up sugary carbonated drinks, as well as black tea and coffee;
quench your thirst with clean water (you can also drink mineral water).

The total amount of liquid consumed during the day should not exceed 1.5-2 liters (this includes liquid dishes and juicy fruits).

Medicines

If the leading role in the development of the condition is given to compression of the pelvic veins, which is caused by the growing fetus, measures must be taken to improve venous outflow. For pregnant women, local remedies are best:

ointments consisting of horse chestnut fruits (Venitan);
gels containing rutin (Troxevasin, Troxerutin);
heparin-based creams that have a blood-thinning effect (Hepatrobin, Lyoton).

The ointments should be rubbed into the skin of the legs with light massage movements in the direction from the feet to the knees.

If there is no effect from topical medications, venotonic drugs in tablets (Detralex, Phlebodia 600) can be used as prescribed by a doctor.

If there is a threat of developing thrombophlebitis in the last trimester of pregnancy, heparin injections are prescribed. This drug is used only during hospital stay, since treatment requires monitoring of blood coagulation parameters.

Prescribing powerful decongestants with a diuretic effect to pregnant women is justified only in exceptional situations, since such drugs can cause disturbances in water-salt metabolism.

Popular diuretic herbal remedies (horsetail, bearberry) are prescribed with great caution, since:

their dosage is difficult to control with the necessary accuracy;
The effect of such drugs on the body of the mother and fetus has not been fully studied.

Unconventional methods

Methods for treating edema using traditional medicine can be successfully used if the limbs swell for physiological reasons. Activities can begin at home only after examination in a medical facility.

Tired and swollen legs at the end of the day can be helped by:

cabbage leaf wraps;
foot baths with the addition of sea salt and pine needle extract;
lubricating the area of the legs and feet with a solution of apple cider vinegar;
applying halves of a green tomato to the swollen areas;
foot massage with a piece of ice (the method is effective in the heat).

Contrast baths can help remove swelling: feet should be kept alternately in warm and cool water for 2-3 minutes.

Prevention

Swelling of the legs in pregnant women is not uncommon, so preventive measures should be taken to prevent this condition. Following simple rules will help you avoid swelling on your ankles, feet and legs.

To relieve swelling in the legs during pregnancy, you will need to give up the following habits and circumstances:

Wearing uncomfortable, tight high-heeled shoes. Sometimes even rubber boots can cause swelling.
Long walks, intense physical activity.
Stay on your feet all day.
Sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Eating salty, smoked and spicy foods.

To fully relax after a busy day at work, you need to lie down and position your legs so that they take an elevated position. It’s good to place a pillow under your knees and rest.

Sedentary work will need to be periodically interrupted by a short walk. It should be done for 15-20 minutes after 60-90 minutes of sitting.

An evening massage of the legs and feet can improve the condition and prevent swelling. It is necessary to take time to do exercises to improve blood circulation and lymph flow (walking, rotating your feet).

The appearance of swelling in the legs during pregnancy requires a careful analysis of the woman’s health status. The symptom is easily corrected if it is caused by physiological reasons (changes in hormonal levels, compression of the pelvic veins by the growing fetus). Health examination using instrumental, laboratory methods, and clinical observation helps prevent serious complications. In order for the pregnancy to end with a successful delivery, swelling should not be ignored.

Pregnancy completely changes the worldview and habitual way of life of every woman. Sometimes, the happiness of anticipation of becoming a mother is overshadowed by complications, such as swelling during pregnancy.

Edema is characterized by excessive fluid retention in the body: in a separate part of it or in the whole.

Excessive water retention can be caused by an inflammatory process, a consequence of insect bites, and various types of injuries. In addition, various types of drinks can retain excess liquid, for example, mineral water, carbonated water.

Edema often accompanies various diseases. Thus, those suffering from kidney disease, heart patients, and diabetics encounter them more often than people unfamiliar with such problems.

Causes of edema during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not a disease, however, a woman’s body, being in this state, is transformed and significantly different from its previous appearance. Retention of more fluid in the body of the expectant mother is normal, natural, and this process begins almost from the first weeks of pregnancy.

Starting from about the eighth week, fluid accumulates, the total volume of which over the entire period reaches an average of 6-8 liters. Part of this strategic supply of water is required for the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. The second half is needed to increase the mother’s blood volume, for the growth of the mammary glands and uterus.

However, it often happens that the body makes reserves of much larger volumes than the real need arises. It is then that edema occurs during pregnancy, in later stages which can harm the health of both mother and baby.

Types of edema during pregnancy

Water-salt metabolism in pregnant women undergoes physiological changes, resulting in possible pathologies in the form of edema. There are four types based on severity:

The first is characterized by swelling in the legs.
Second – stop, lower abdomen.
The third – swelling of the hands and face.
The fourth – generalized edema, otherwise called “dropsy”.

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy

When your legs swell during pregnancy, and there are no other symptoms, this is the first bell indicating a lack of fluid. Excessive thirst is proof of this.

Methods for determining edema

Swelling may be barely noticeable. In the morning there may be no problems, but in the evening, comfortable shoes begin to press, and a feeling of discomfort appears in the feet.

The first sign of swelling is uneven weight gain, as well as a weekly weight gain of over 300 grams on the scale.

To find out if there is swelling, you should lightly press the skin with your finger. If, after removing your finger, the skin does not immediately become smooth, this is the first alarm bell.

Swelling from week 20 is not normal. Its presence is a signal to draw the doctor’s attention to it.

Causes of swelling

A little swelling is not always dangerous. Another thing is that the condition is aggravated due to the abuse of salty, fried, and fatty foods. In summer the heat is exorbitant. Additional irritants are capable of creating a pathology that requires treatment from a process that is natural to the physiology of a pregnant woman. That is why the diet and lifestyle of the expectant mother should be treated with all responsibility.

There are several main causes of swelling:

Violation of water-salt metabolism.
Deficiency of protein intake.
Loads on the kidneys, constantly increasing with the growth of the fetus.
Compression of the renal vessels.

What is gestosis during pregnancy

Swollen feet may be a sign of significant pathology. Along with swelling, there is too rapid weight gain. Swelling spreads to other parts of the body and becomes the first source of concern for a woman, not leaving her alone for a minute. With gestosis, you feel heaviness when walking, pressure increases, protein comes out along with urine, blood circulation slows down, and the first organs that suffer from this are the kidneys, liver, and brain.

At an early stage, gestosis reveals itself by the presence of edema, often hidden.

Not all edema is already gestosis, and edema during pregnancy is not always dangerous. The task of doctors is to determine the severity of edema; the task of pregnant women is to draw the attention of attending physicians to changes in their body, even those that, at first glance, seem insignificant and harmless.

There can be no amateur activity in the treatment of such edema during pregnancy. If the disease is present, expectant mothers are hospitalized, since such edema during pregnancy is extremely dangerous.

Swelling of the hands during pregnancy

Excess fluid may accumulate in the wrists and fingers. The volume of fluid gradually increases, resulting in swollen hands during pregnancy.

The expectant mother is subject to modifications at the hormonal level. This is associated with excessive sensitivity, irritability, and illogical mood swings. The hormone progesterone affects not only mood, it can cause fluid stagnation.

Numbness in the hands, discomfort in the fingers and wrists are all the first signs of hand swelling.

Mechanical work, such as knitting or computer work, can also aggravate severe swelling during pregnancy. Therefore, when doing monotonous work, you should do exercises for your hands and warm up your fingers.

Swelling of the face during pregnancy

The further away blood cells are, the less salts and protein they contain compared to other tissues. Water actively leaves the blood, which leads to dehydration. In addition, edema during late pregnancy occurs due to compression of the lymphatic vessels and veins by the rapidly growing uterus.

The face becomes unnaturally round in appearance. What to do when edema during pregnancy in the last stages manifests itself with renewed vigor - bring this to the attention of a specialist.

Treatment and prevention of swelling during pregnancy

Light exercise, exercise, being in the fresh air, active life together with a nutritious diet is the best prevention against the appearance of abnormalities, including swelling.

Comfortable shoes and comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics, evening foot massages and baths, and a special cream will come to the aid of expectant mothers and make their condition as pleasant and painless as possible.

Diet and drinking regimen for edema

Salty foods are removed from the diet, including salted mineral water, which it is advisable to exclude completely, as well as various sodas, the harmful effects of which do not at all justify the desire to quench thirst. Plain water, teas, juices, compotes can cope with restoring water balance without causing harm.

It is important to drink 1-1.2 liters of fluid daily. In addition to water, this volume includes food containing water (fruits, borscht, broths, soups, etc.). For swelling, it is recommended to drink water with a slice of lemon, tea with lemon (preferably without sugar), and lingonberry compote.

Kidney and other herbal infusions should never be taken without the advice of a doctor. Diuretic tablets are strictly prohibited for pregnant women.

How to relieve leg swelling during pregnancy

If your legs are swollen during pregnancy, the question is “what to do?” is asked millions of times to doctors. There is often no need to be treated with medication - minor swelling can be easily avoided by following simple rules.

When the legs swell slightly during pregnancy, expectant mothers should lie on their side more often.

Several times a day, experts advise lying or sitting with your legs raised up for 10-15 minutes. For large swelling, this procedure should be repeated every two to three hours. The best effect will be if you first immerse the legs in a bowl of cool water for 20 minutes.

If there is slight swelling, you can lie down with a low cushion under your feet. You can sleep in this position.

Foot massage is useful for preventing swelling - you can rub it with your hands or use a washcloth. After the procedure, anoint your feet with a special anti-swelling gel - the doctor will help you choose the most effective one.

What to do when your hands and face swell

The legs usually swell first. But this swelling is already a signal to remove jewelry from your hands, especially rings, including wedding rings.

A glass of hot milk before bed helps relieve swelling and your face will feel better in the morning.

Drinks made from vegetables, fruits and berries, which have a natural diuretic effect, relieve swelling well.

Folk remedies for relieving swelling

For centuries, mothers have collected folk recipes on how to relieve swelling during pregnancy. When deciding to try one of them, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.

Traditional recipes:

Dried apricots are a reliable assistant in the fight against swelling. Recipe: pour boiling water over a handful of dried apricots overnight. In the morning before meals you should drink liquid, after which it is advisable to abstain from food for half an hour.
Carrot juice with pulp. Drink freshly prepared half a glass of juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
Pumpkin also has diuretic properties and is not harmful to pregnant women. Half a glass of juice once a day will be a tasty salvation from puffiness.
Birch sap - drink ½ glass twice a day.
Viburnum with honey. Recipe: Grind fresh viburnum berries. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into 250 ml of boiling water and heat in a water bath, without boiling, for 20 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, crush the strained liquid 2-3 times a day, a third of a glass. Before taking, add a little honey to the decoction (at the tip of a spoon).
Cranberry with honey. Recipe: Grind the berries with honey (or sugar). Eat 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day after meals.
Oat grains. Recipe: pour 1 tablespoon of oat grains into 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 ½ hours over low heat, stirring regularly. Rub the cooled mass through a sieve. Eat the resulting porridge 3 times a day, 1/3 cup.

You should not use several products in one day. You can alternate every other day or weeks. After trying different options, you can choose the most suitable one for yourself.

The individuality of each individual organism cannot be excluded. Some products can cause different reactions, with sensitivity to a particular product. For example, viburnum can cause indigestion in some people.

When it is not possible to relieve swelling with folk remedies, doctors prescribe medications, mainly herbal. Among them, the most often prescribed are:

Canephron. Containing lovage root, centaury herb, and rosemary leaves, it does not harm the baby and is approved for use in any trimester. The only thing is that it is better to choose tablets than drops, since the latter contains alcohol.
Phytolysin is an effective remedy based on extracts of the roots of parsley, pyraeus, herbs “Knotweed”, “Horsetail”, as well as pine, sage, mint and orange oils. Its disadvantage is that it is dangerous in the case of inflammatory processes in the kidneys, so it is prescribed only after a thorough examination.
Euphilin, with a high content of aminophylline, also has a powerful diuretic effect. Contraindicated for heart patients, pregnant women with low blood pressure, and breastfeeding. Therefore, its use should be stopped before delivery. In addition, you should not take the drug on an empty stomach, as this is more likely to lead to side effects: dizziness, headaches, and intestinal disorders.

It is dangerous for expectant mothers to resort to self-medication without consulting a doctor, and even more so in case of severe swelling.

Swelling in the last months of pregnancy

Many newly pregnant women know that during pregnancy their legs, arms, and face may swell. And it seems that this is considered normal, because this happens often. But why then do doctors so diligently monitor and always pay attention to whether their patient is edematous? Could “pregnant” edema be somehow dangerous?

Edema is a condition when excess fluid collects in the tissues. We notice this in the form of swelling, which primarily appears on the face and legs, but also during pregnancy the arms, abdomen, and lower back may swell.

In fact, edema during pregnancy is a common phenomenon and has its own explanations. Firstly, the body’s need for fluid is constantly increasing, so the further it goes, the more a woman wants to drink. A significant portion of the weight gained during pregnancy is fluid. Secondly, sodium accumulates in a woman’s body - in blood vessels and in all tissues except bone. And sodium, as you know, attracts and, thus, retains water in the body. This is how swelling appears.

Swelling nose during pregnancy

First of all, fluid retention in the tissues manifests itself on a woman’s face: it becomes rounded, the eyelids swell and visually the eyes become narrower and smaller. Often, renal edema begins with swelling on the face, requiring treatment, which is discussed a little below.

Among other things, the nose also swells. But it is not at all excluded that such a symptom has a different nature. Problems with nasal breathing are a fairly common phenomenon among pregnant women. Often we are talking about a “runny nose during pregnancy,” which is caused by hormonal changes. In this case, the nasal mucosa swells, breathing through the nose becomes difficult, itching and dryness appear in the nose - the woman experiences severe discomfort.

Rhinitis in pregnant women can manifest itself at different times of the day (for example, only in the evening and at night or throughout the day), at different stages, and in some cases accompany the entire pregnancy. But after childbirth, this unpleasant companion will disappear. The main thing now is to find an effective, safe remedy for a runny nose and nasal congestion. In itself, a runny nose in pregnant women is not dangerous, but it can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus, which is very undesirable.

Swelling of the nose during pregnancy may well be an allergic manifestation. Analyze all your recent actions and assess the likelihood: perhaps you need to find the source of the allergen (new washing powder, flowering plants, etc.)

Sometimes swelling of the nose and lips appears already from the first weeks of pregnancy as the earliest sign, although much more often such nasal swelling occurs already in the last weeks of pregnancy. In general, everything is quite individual: many expectant mothers do not experience anything like this at all.

Swelling of hands and fingers during pregnancy

Swelling of hands and fingers is much more common during pregnancy. The woman feels tingling in her fingers, burning in her wrists, numbness in her hands. A clear sign of swelling can be considered swelling of the fingers to the point that it becomes impossible to remove the ring. Another way to check for swelling is to press your finger on the skin of your hand: if a dent remains, then you can talk about swelling.

Women who work a lot with a computer mouse and keyboard or are engaged in other activities that require repeating the same actions many times, for example, knitting or modeling, are more susceptible to the formation of hand swelling during pregnancy. In this case, the so-called tunnel syndrome develops: the fluid accumulating in the wrist puts pressure on the nerve passing here, causing pain.

Gymnastics for your arms and more rest will not hurt you at all.

If swelling of the hands and fingers during pregnancy is combined with other swelling - of the back, sacrum, lower abdomen - then you should notify your doctor about this.

Legs swell during pregnancy

However, most often the legs swell during pregnancy. They swell noticeably, and it becomes incredibly difficult to put on your old shoes, especially if you’ve walked a lot before and taken your shoes off. The first sign of swelling of the feet may be a mark on the ankle from the elastic of the socks.

In most cases, leg swelling during pregnancy appears in the third trimester and is not dangerous. Almost every pregnant woman experiences swelling of the legs to varying degrees, so there is no need to worry too much about this. But they can also be one of the signs of late toxicosis - a condition that is definitely dangerous for both the child and the woman. Therefore, this fact cannot be ignored under any circumstances. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent and treat swollen feet—it's actually easy to do at home.

If by morning the swelling of the legs does not go away, and along with the legs the arms, face, stomach and lower back swell, then you should visit the doctor immediately.

Edema during pregnancy: folk remedies

Usually, if the cause of edema in a pregnant woman is eliminated, it will disappear on its own within a few days. To do this, it is necessary to significantly reduce the consumption of table salt, not to overwork, ensure normal rest and avoid exposure to the sun.

It is a mistake to think that you need to drink as little as possible. Today, doctors no longer advise pregnant women to reduce the amount of fluid they consume in case of swelling. After all, it is impossible to live without fluid now; it is simply necessary for the normal development of pregnancy, and besides, a sharp reduction in its amount will lead to the opposite effect: the body will begin to accumulate water in reserve. So you should still drink enough - at least one and a half liters, excluding soups and fruits. It is best to drink clean water, maybe with the addition of lemon; cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks are also very useful (they have a diuretic effect). But give up coffee now.

Eliminate all provoking factors. Eat less salty foods (first of all, exclude sauerkraut, pickles, herring, black bread, salted nuts, olives), spices, carbonated drinks, foods containing large amounts of sodium (tomatoes, seeds, nuts), avoid fried foods , smoked. Instead, increase the amount of protein in your diet. Once a week you can spend a fasting day on apples and juice.

Don’t walk in the heat, don’t get overtired, don’t sit in one position for too long, do physical exercise (if there are no contraindications, of course). Good rest and walks in the fresh air are of great importance. Place your feet on an elevated surface while sleeping. Taking the knee-elbow position for 5-10 minutes will help alleviate the condition.

In folk medicine, there are many different recipes for combating edema:

Diuretic herbs help well - bear ears, bearberry or lingonberry leaves, horsetail, cherry stalks, hawthorn flowers and berries, kidney tea - no more than one glass of decoction or infusion per day and no more than 1 month.
Decoction of dried apricots: pour boiling water over the dried apricots and leave overnight, and in the morning drink this compote 30-40 minutes before meals.

There are many other folk recipes against swelling. Just do not resort to treating edema with medications, for example, diuretic tablets. However, any action should be coordinated with a doctor, and herbal medicine is no exception.

Cool foot baths also help: the water should not be icy, but not warm. Keep your feet in the bath for 10-15 minutes, then lie on your left side and rest a little, raising your feet above heart level. Try not to lie on your back at all. If there is someone to give you a foot massage, then that’s great! After the procedures, the swelling should go away.

In this case, we are talking about physiological, that is, “normal” edema for pregnant women, which affects approximately 75-80% of expectant mothers. They do not pose a threat to the fetus, although such manifestations should be eliminated. But swelling during pregnancy is not always so harmless. If you do not pay attention to them in time and do not take the necessary measures, then problems will begin.

Edema with gestosis

In general, edema during pregnancy is one of the three most striking symptoms (late toxicosis). Therefore, most often they appear in the third trimester. The more swelling you get, the greater the risks you and your unborn baby will face.

There are 4 degrees of gestosis, in which swelling manifests itself in different ways:

I - dropsy of pregnancy. In addition to edema, there is a general weight gain, weakness, and fatigue.
II - nephropathy of pregnancy. In addition to edema, protein in the urine or increased blood pressure may also appear. If all three symptoms are observed simultaneously, the condition is considered threatening for the woman.
III - preeclampsia. In this case, changes in the fundus and brain are associated with nephropathy.
IV - eclampsia. Convulsions begin - the condition itself is extremely dangerous for both the woman and the child.

However, that's not all. In addition to gestational edema, cardiac and renal edema can also develop during pregnancy, which often manifest themselves earlier than in the third trimester.

Cardiac edema can occur if a woman has heart problems. Moreover, they are always located below: from the lower back and below. A medical examination reveals that the liver is enlarged. And before the appearance of edema, the woman experiences shortness of breath and increased heart rate, and her lips may turn blue.

Unlike cardiac edema, renal edema begins in the face, bags under the eyes are characteristic, and later both arms and legs may swell. The reason is the woman’s kidney diseases in the past or those that have developed now, during pregnancy, which need to be treated.

When is swelling a threat?

If you are dealing with physiological edema, which disappears after eliminating the provoking factor, as we wrote about above, there is no reason to worry. But as soon as you notice that the swelling does not go away on its own (you wake up swollen in the morning), and that in addition to your legs, your arms, legs, hips, stomach, and lower back are also swollen, then immediately tell your gynecologist about it.

Rapid weight gain (over 20 kg in total or more than 300 g per week) is also a serious cause for concern, so you need to weigh yourself regularly.

The degree of swelling at home can be checked as follows: press with your finger in the area of the lower leg, where the bone is covered only by skin (without muscles) - in front at the bottom of the leg. If the skin immediately returns to its place, everything is fine. If a dent remains there for some time, swelling is evident, or rather on the leg.

In an outpatient setting, you may receive necessary tests or a McClure-Aldrich test to determine swelling.

Why is swelling dangerous during pregnancy?

In most cases, pregnant women experience physiological swelling. It does not pose a threat, in fact, like dropsy in pregnancy. But such manifestations should not be left unattended.

If a problem arises, that is, we are talking about the second and further degrees of gestosis, then it must be solved. Even if the pregnant woman feels fine, swelling along with other symptoms is an alarming signal. Ignoring it threatens to disrupt the connection in the “mother-placenta-fetus” system. This, first of all, promises oxygen starvation of the child with all the ensuing consequences. If serious complications occur, it may even be necessary to terminate the pregnancy.

Treatment of edema during pregnancy

Treatment of edema during pregnancy, as a rule, begins with the recommendations described above, mainly with the normalization of sleep and rest patterns and diet. The attending physician will certainly monitor weight gain, and will also recommend that you monitor the amount of fluid consumed and excreted by the body.

Much will depend on the results of the analysis. If protein is detected in the urine, especially against the background of high blood pressure and shortness of breath, the woman will be offered hospital treatment. It is aimed at eliminating the cause of edema, improving the functioning of the kidneys and heart, and uteroplacental blood flow. Vitamin preparations are usually prescribed - magnesium, vitamin E, lipoic acid.

Edema during pregnancy requires drug treatment only when it is accompanied by dysfunction of important organs (liver, kidneys, heart), since diuretics during pregnancy can only be used in extreme cases due to a large number of contraindications and side effects, as well as possible toxic effects for the fruit.

In each individual case, the prescriptions will be different, so treatment for edema during pregnancy can and should only be prescribed by a specialist and only based on the results of a full examination! There is no need to worry about prescriptions, because during treatment the potential risk and probable benefit are necessarily compared.

Be healthy!

Especially for- Elena Kichak

From Guest

I had terrible swelling since 6 months of pregnancy. All arms, legs, stomach, face were swollen. I gained 2-3kg in 1-2 weeks. The doctor’s only answer was “eat and drink less.” Although she drank and ate so little. My legs hurt terribly, I lay down and woke up with pain. Walking was difficult and painful. I read a lot of information about edema, and came across an interesting article about the benefits of lemons. I started drinking water with lemon. I have completely given up plain water and only drink it with lemon added. After some time, the swelling went away and my legs didn’t hurt. I recommend it to everyone.

From Guest

I also used Venolgon 911 gel, after work, when I simply couldn’t feel my legs, I took a contrast shower and smeared this gel, such a pleasant chill went down my legs. Swelling and fatigue go away very quickly.

From Guest

I have been saving myself from swelling for several years now with the pharmaceutical balm venolgon 911, it relieves swelling in 25 minutes, improves blood circulation, I feel lightness in my legs, I did baths before, they helped, but usually in such situations there is no time, but I quickly applied the gel, rested my legs a little came in order. And during pregnancy I smeared it in the last months.

After fertilization of the egg, the woman’s body goes through a stage of hormonal and physiological changes in order to create favorable conditions for the development of a new life. If a woman is completely healthy, she can easily endure this process for nine months. But if any organs and systems fail, then it is quite natural that various complications arise. One of the frequent companions of pregnancy is swelling of the extremities. In the later stages, slight swelling of the legs does not cause concern and is considered a completely normal and safe phenomenon for a woman. But this symptom often masks more serious diseases. So let's find out why legs swell during pregnancy? How to deal with this? And how to find the line between a normal phenomenon and a life-threatening condition.

Edema is an excess of free fluid in organs and intercellular spaces due to a violation of its outflow. Swelling can be localized, that is, appear in a specific area, or spread widely throughout the body.

During pregnancy, a pathological condition such as swelling of the legs occurs in almost every woman to one degree or another. Slight swelling of the ankles in the late afternoon is a common occurrence in the second half of pregnancy. This is normal physiological swelling and does not require any treatment. This happens for the following reasons:

Hormonal changes. The most important guardian of pregnancy is progesterone. This hormone adjusts the female body to the needs of the baby from beginning to end. It directly affects the increase in pressure inside the capillaries, which contributes to the accumulation of excess fluid in a woman’s body, especially if she leads an inactive lifestyle.
Decrease in protein concentration in blood plasma. The amount of albumin decreases significantly closer to the third trimester, which often causes physiological swelling of the extremities.
Increased blood volume and total circulating fluid. To provide the baby with everything necessary, the amount of a woman’s blood increases by about 40%. In addition, over the course of 9 months, almost 7 liters of additional fluid accumulate in tissues and organs, which does not always spread evenly and “slides” into the lower parts of the body.
Stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs. The constantly growing uterus actively compresses nearby internal organs. Blood has difficulty traveling from the legs to the heart. A woman experiences shortness of breath and her legs swell during pregnancy. But the most affected are the veins in the pelvic area, which are squeezed between the large uterus and the spine. In addition to swelling, this causes discomfort and tingling in the pelvic organs.
Poor nutrition and inadequate rest. No matter how great the desire of a woman in a delicate situation to eat something salty and spicy, you need to control yourself. Excess sodium in the body binds a huge number of water molecules, which ultimately leads to swollen legs. And if you add a sedentary lifestyle to salty dishes, then severe swelling of the legs during pregnancy is guaranteed.

It’s quite easy to improve your well-being and eliminate fluid accumulation in your legs. As a rule, a woman only needs to slightly replace her daily routine and usual diet with a more acceptable one. But there are times when small swelling of the feet and ankles begins to “spread” up the legs, often reaching the very eyes. At the same time, the woman’s condition sharply worsens, and a threat arises for her and the baby. This situation is already considered pathological and is subject to drug treatment. There are plenty of reasons for this: these are chronic diseases, inflammatory processes and late gestosis.

Pathological swelling of the legs during pregnancy - causes:

Preeclampsia. This is the most common cause of water-salt imbalance in the gestational period. Preeclampsia develops in the second half of pregnancy and has the ability to progress. In this case, 4 stages of edema are diagnosed. In the most severe cases, in addition to the legs, the stomach, arms and face swell. The course of the disease is complicated by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.
Diseases of the genitourinary area. If a woman has a history of kidney problems, then after conception she will almost certainly have to deal with leg swelling in the early stages of pregnancy. In pregnant women, the kidneys always work at an increased rate, so if they do not cope well, then all the excess fluid will be localized in the legs.
Endocrine disorders. Problems with the thyroid gland can cause severe swelling of the body. Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous. This condition is characterized by reduced activity of the gland, which is not able to independently synthesize the required amount of hormones from iodine. At the same time, the entire body begins to work in a weakened mode.
Cardiovascular pathologies. For pregnancy to be easy and successful, a woman needs a healthy heart that can safely pump an ever-increasing amount of blood and provide oxygen to mother and baby.
Phlebeurysm. The course of this disease often only worsens after conception. Increased intravenous pressure causes pain and severe physical discomfort to the woman. In this case, the swelling can be asymmetrical, for example, only swelling of the right leg occurs during pregnancy, where varicose veins are more pronounced.
Allergy. Sudden swelling on the body, including the legs, may indicate an allergic reaction to some substance or product. If the swelling covers the knee-elbow areas and face, the woman needs urgent medical attention, as this may be Quincke's edema, which is life-threatening.

Edema during pregnancy: symptoms and diagnosis

Mild edema, as mentioned above, is not considered dangerous for pregnancy and cannot be treated. But this does not mean that you should neglect a visit to the doctor when problems with fluid retention appear. Sometimes symptoms of barely noticeable edema in the first weeks of pregnancy may indicate severe heart or kidney defects. Timely treatment of these diseases helps maintain pregnancy.

Swelling does not immediately become obvious to women. Their appearance is preceded by the following symptoms:

Sudden weight gain (more than 300 g per week).
Difficulty wearing rings and shoes.
Minor tingling in the extremities.

Leg swelling during pregnancy, which is common to all women in this position, should not normally appear until the 30th week of gestation. It is localized exclusively in the legs. As a rule, in the late afternoon the feet and legs swell slightly, and by the morning after proper rest the swelling subsides. You can determine excess fluid like this: press your finger on the area of expected swelling and sharply lift your finger. If a hole remains, it means there is swelling.

When a woman consults a doctor about edema, she has to undergo a simple diagnosis:

Determination of the degree of pastiness. The doctor evaluates the time it takes to restore skin turgor after pressing a finger on the swollen area.
Weighing. This simple procedure helps determine the percentage of excess fluid in the body.
Taking tests. The presence/absence of protein in the urine is determined. A general blood test is also studied to exclude inflammatory processes.
Daily diuresis. A woman will need to calculate the amount of fluid she drinks and excretes by her kidneys.

Based on the research results, the doctor will determine the cause of the disorders and advise the woman how to eliminate swelling of the legs during pregnancy. If a woman’s condition worsens, she is hospitalized for more in-depth diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Important! If you notice swelling in your arms, eyes or thighs, and the condition does not improve after rest, you should consult a doctor for an examination.

What are the dangers of edema during pregnancy?

Any swelling that is accompanied by a deterioration in the woman’s condition carries a potential risk for the baby. Preeclampsia is especially dangerous. It begins with dropsy and can end with eclampsia, which is accompanied by extensive edema, high blood pressure and poor kidney function. This can cause oxygen starvation in the fetus, deficiency of nutrients and severe developmental disorders. Pregnancy often ends in premature birth and perinatal death of the child.

On a note! Sometimes pregnant women complain of swelling of only one limb. This could be for various reasons. For example, if the left leg constantly swells during pregnancy, this may be a signal of heart failure or thrombophlebitis.

How to relieve a woman’s condition with swelling of her legs

Only a gynecologist should determine the cause of swelling and prescribe treatment. Sometimes additional consultation with a highly specialized doctor is required if a woman has more severe diseases that cause complications such as swelling of the legs during late pregnancy.

If there is no reason to worry, and the swelling is purely physiological, the doctor can give some advice to improve the woman’s well-being:

Vitamin therapy. B vitamins strengthen capillary networks well, which prevents fluid from entering the blood into the intercellular zone.
Wearing compression garments. Specially made tights or stockings will maintain capillary tone, which will help reduce swelling and heaviness in the legs.
Cool salt foot baths. 10-minute water procedures will help your legs get into shape faster.
Diet. To eliminate swelling of the arms and legs during pregnancy, the daily diet should include a sufficient amount of foods rich in protein, fiber and vitamins. Salty and fried foods are excluded. Water intake is limited (up to 1.5 liters per day).
Light exercise. Your doctor may recommend resting with your legs elevated above heart level. Light exercise for pregnant women or yoga will also help relieve discomfort in the legs.
Complete rest. A woman suffering from edema should not stand or sit for a long time. Avoid hot rooms and wearing high-heeled shoes.
Limb massage. Gentle massaging helps restore normal blood circulation.

Drug treatment of edema

If general recommendations do not help a woman get rid of swelling of the feet during pregnancy, then the doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment with ointments and diuretics. True, only if there are no serious reasons for disturbing the water balance. In case of gestosis or other serious complications, treatment is carried out only in a hospital setting.

Important! Independent use of the following medications during pregnancy is unacceptable. The decision to prescribe them is made by the doctor after an in-person examination of the woman.

Preparations for external use. Various gels and ointments based on heparin, horse chestnut extract and rutin help to establish the outflow of fluid from the lower extremities. During pregnancy, medications such as Lyoton, Venitan, Heparin Ointment, and Troxevasin are prescribed.
Synthetic diuretics. It can be quite difficult to relieve swelling of the legs at 39 weeks of pregnancy before the approaching birth, so it is advisable to prescribe more effective diuretics (Veroshpiron, Furosemide, Hypothiazide).
Herbal diuretics. Diuretic herbal mixtures and homeopathic drops help to increase daily diuresis (the amount of urine excreted). A woman is prescribed “Canephron”, “Nephrofit”, “Cyston”.

Unconventional methods of treatment

Among pregnant women suffering from edema, traditional medicine recipes are very popular. If fluid retention does not cause concern to the doctor, then the use of “grandmother’s” recipes to improve a woman’s well-being in most cases is only welcomed by gynecologists. But I would like to draw your attention to the fact that only a specialist can make a decision on how to relieve swelling of the legs during pregnancy using folk remedies. A pregnant woman will still not be able to solve this problem on her own, so it is better to seek help as soon as possible in order to prevent the occurrence of gestosis.

How traditional medicine can help:

Compresses. Young, pre-cooled cabbage leaves should be applied to the areas of greatest accumulation of liquid. The compress should be kept on the body until the leaves become wet. Then they can be replaced with new ones. After several procedures, the woman will experience no discomfort in her legs.
Decoction of dried apricots. Dried apricots will help increase daily diuresis. To 1 tbsp. l. dried fruits, you need to add 200 mg of boiling water. The infusion should be left for 10-12 hours. The infusion is taken 45 minutes before meals.
Contrast foot massage. You need to freeze the herbal decoction (chamomile, sage, calendula) in special ice containers. Then lightly massage your feet with pieces of ice before going to bed.
Diuretic infusion. You need to mix birch buds, horsetail and knotweed in equal proportions. Take 1 tsp. herbs and brew in a glass of boiling water. Take a teaspoon three times a day after meals. The course of treatment is three weeks.

Preventing leg swelling during pregnancy

It is much easier to prevent edema in pregnant women than to look for ways to eliminate it later. The preventive program includes not only the way a woman lives after conception, but also scrupulous preparation for this event. Ideally, you need to take care of your complete health even before pregnancy and cure all chronic diseases (if any). So, what can a woman do to avoid water-salt imbalance:

Keep your weight under control. An extra couple of kilograms can, in addition to swelling, provoke attacks of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Eat a balanced diet. Avoid foods high in salt, which retains fluid in cells. Diversify your diet with fruits and vegetables with plenty of vitamin C, A, E. Be sure to replenish your protein supply by eating fish and meat.
Take more walks in the fresh air and fully relax with your feet on the bolster. This is especially useful starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, when the legs swell most often.
Try to drink the required amount of drinking water (on average 1.5-2 liters per day) before 7 pm.
Do light physical activity for pregnant women: yoga, swimming, walking, exercise. This will help improve blood circulation, strengthen the walls of capillaries and prevent the accumulation of excess water in the body.

A healthy lifestyle helps prevent swelling during the gestational period. But this does not always work when a woman has chronic diseases. If a woman, despite an exemplary daily routine and proper nutrition, experiences swelling of her legs during pregnancy, it is better to carry out treatment at the initial stage of the onset of the pathology. This will help avoid many complications in the later stages of pregnancy.